Utility stands and related methods

ABSTRACT

A utility stand comprising a substantially U-shaped item support member, a base member, and a vertical support that extends between the base member and the item support member. In particular embodiments, the item support member is adapted to be rotated between: (A) a first position, in which the item support member is in a substantially horizontal orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position, and (B) a second position, in which the item support member is in a substantially vertical orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position. In various embodiments, the base member is adapted to be rotated between: (A) a first position, in which the base member is in a substantially horizontal orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position, and (B) a second position, in which the base member is in a substantially vertical orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/737,646, entitled “Utility Stands and Related Methods”, filed Nov. 17, 2005, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A common problem facing homeowners is the need to collect and bag leaves and other yard waste, especially during Fall. A common approach to bagging leaves is to partially fill a semi-rigid paper bag with leaves so that the bag remains in an upright position, and then to continue filling the bag with leaves until the bag is completely filled. One problem with this approach is that such bags often fall over and spill during the bagging process. Accordingly, a need exists for improved methods and apparatuses for facilitating the bagging process in general, and more particularly, for facilitating the bagging of leaves and other yard waste.

SUMMARY OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

A utility stand according to particular embodiments of the invention comprises: (1) a substantially U-shaped item support member; (2) a base member; (3) a vertical support that extends between the base member and the item support member, wherein: (A) the item support member is adapted to be rotated between: (i) a first position, in which the item support member is in a substantially horizontal orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position, and (ii) a second position, in which the item support member is in a substantially vertical orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position, and (B) the base member is adapted to be rotated between: (i) a first position, in which the base member is in a substantially horizontal orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position, and (ii) a second position, in which the base member is in a substantially vertical orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position.

A utility stand according to various embodiments of the invention comprises: (1) an item support member that is adapted for maintaining a bag in an open configuration; (2) a base member; (3) a vertical support that extends between the base member and the item support member, wherein the item support member is adapted to be rotated between: (i) a first position, in which the item support member is in a substantially horizontal orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position, and (ii) a second position, in which the item support member is in a substantially vertical orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In this application, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1A is a front view of a utility stand according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a top view of the item support member and upper hinge shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a bottom view of the base member and lower hinge shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a side view of the utility stand shown in FIG. 1A. This figure shows a cut-away view of the interface between the utility stand's upper and lower vertical supports.

FIG. 1E is a close-up view of the cut-away view of FIG. 1D, which shows the interface between the utility stand's upper and lower vertical supports.

FIG. 1F is a rear view of the utility stand shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the utility stand shown in FIG. 1A. In this figure, the utility stand is shown in an unfolded configuration.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the utility stand shown in FIG. 1A. In this figure, the utility stand is shown in a fully folded configuration.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the utility stand shown in FIG. 1A, in which the utility stand's item support member is shown in transition between a first, unfolded orientation (110 ¹) and a second, folded orientation (110 ³).

FIG. 5A is a top view of the item support member shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 5B is a front view of the item support member shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 6A is a top view of the item support member and a bracket portion of the upper hinge shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 6B is a front view of the item support member and a bracket portion of the upper hinge shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 6C is a side view of the item support member and a bracket portion of the upper hinge shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 7A is a side view of the upper vertical support shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 7B is a side view of the lower vertical support shown in FIG. 1A

FIG. 8A is a bottom view of the base member shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 8B is a rear view of the base member shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 8C is a front view of the base member shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 8D is a side view of the base member shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 9A is a top view of the base member and a bracket portion of the lower hinge shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 9B is a front view of the base member and a bracket portion of the lower hinge shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 9C is a cross sectional side view of the base member and a bracket portion of the lower hinge shown in FIG. 1A, a taken through section A-A, which is shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary fastening mechanism for attaching bags or other items adjacent a utility stand's item support member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Overview

Utility stands according various embodiments of the invention are adapted for supporting bags (such as paper or plastic yard or garbage bags; or netted bags, such as netted cargo or sports bags), and/or other items. In various embodiments, the utility stands are configured to provide a stable structure against which items may be leaned. Also, in various embodiments, the utility stands are configured to provide a structure from which bags (such as yard or garbage bags) may be hung while the bags are being filled with items (such as garbage or yard waste).

In particular embodiments of the invention, the utility stands include an item support member over which at least part of the open end of a flexible bag may be draped in order to maintain the opening of the bag in an open orientation. In certain embodiments, one or more bag fasteners (e.g., pointed rivets, hooks, or clips) may be provided for facilitating the attachment of a bag in place adjacent the item support member when the utility stand is being used to support the bag. In various embodiments of the invention, one or more of these bag fasteners is disposed adjacent an exterior surface of the item support member.

In various embodiments of the invention, the utility stand further includes a base member and a vertical support mechanism that extends between the base member and the item support member. In certain embodiments, the length of this vertical support mechanism is adjustable, which may serve to facilitate adjusting the distance between the item support member and the base member. As described in greater below, in particular embodiments of the invention, the vertical support mechanism: (1) includes two or more vertical support members that are disposed in telescoping relation to one another; and (2) a locking mechanism for selectively locking the vertical support members in substantially fixed relation to one another.

In various embodiments, the utility stand is adapted to fold from: (1) a first position in which the utility stand is configured for hangingly supporting bags and/or other items, to (2) a second position in which the utility stand is in a compact (e.g., substantially planar) form. In various embodiments, the utility stand's item support member and/or base member are adapted to rotate relative to the vertical support member. In particular embodiments, the item support member is adapted to rotate between: (1) a first position in which the item support member is in a substantially horizontal orientation; and (2) a second position in which the item support member is in a substantially vertical orientation. In particular embodiments of the invention, when the item support member is in the first position, the item support member is disposed adjacent a front surface of the vertical support mechanism. Similarly, in particular embodiments, when the item support member is in the second position, the item support member is disposed adjacent a rear surface of the vertical support member.

The specific structure of utility stands according to various embodiments of the invention is discussed in greater detail below.

Detailed Description of Various Preferred Embodiments

A utility stand 100 according to a particular embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 1-9. Turning to FIGS. 1A-1F, in this embodiment, the utility stand 100 comprises a substantially U-shaped item support member 110, a substantially U-shaped base member 140, and a telescoping vertical support mechanism 150 that extends between the item support member 110 and the base member 140. These elements are described in detail below.

Item Support Member

As may be understood from FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, in a particular embodiment of the invention, the utility stand's item support member 110 is substantially U-Shaped. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the item support member 110 comprises a first support arm 114 and a second support arm 115 that is offset from, and preferably substantially parallel to, the first support arm 114. In this embodiment, the item support member 110 further comprises a linking member 113 that extends between corresponding inner sides of the first and second support arms 114, 115. In particular embodiments, the first and second support arms 114, 115 are each connected to the linking member 113 via a respective curved connector as shown in FIG. 1B.

As noted above, the utility stand 100 may include one or more fastening mechanisms (for example, the fastening mechanism shown in FIG. 10) for attaching bags or other items adjacent (and preferably to) the item support member 110. For example, in one embodiment, the utility stand 100 comprises a plurality of elongate support rivets that are spaced apart along an outer surface of the item support member 110 (and preferably along both the inside and outside surfaces of the item support member 110). In a particular embodiment, the utility stand 100 includes 8-10 total support rivets that are attached to and spaced (e.g., evenly) apart along the inside and outside of the item support member 110.

These support rivets are preferably adapted to puncture a portion of a bag and to thereafter extend through the bag. This allows the weight of the bag to be supported, at least in part, by the support rivets. An exemplary support rivet is shown in FIG. 10.

Although the item support member 110 is shown as being substantially U-shaped in the enclosed figures, it should be understood that the item support member 110 may be any suitable shape or size. For example, the item support member 110 may be substantially: (1) semi-circular; (2) circular; (3) triangular; (4) rectangular; or any other suitable shape.

Base Member

As may be understood from FIGS. 1, 8, and 9, in a particular embodiment of the invention, the utility stand's base member 140 is substantially U-Shaped. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 1C, the base member 140 comprises a first elongate base member 144 and a second elongate base member 145 that is offset from, and preferably substantially parallel to, the first elongate base member 144. In this embodiment, the base member 140 further comprises a base linking member 143 that extends between and connects corresponding inner sides of the first and second elongate base members 144, 145. In particular embodiments, the first and second elongate base members 144, 145 are each connected to the linking member 143 via a respective curved connector as shown in FIG. 1C. As may be understood from FIGS. 1A and 9B, in various embodiments of the invention, the base linking member 140 includes a curved, raised portion that is intermediate the lateral ends of the base linking member 140. In various embodiments of the invention, this raised portion is substantially U-shaped.

Although the base member 140 is shown as being substantially U-shaped in the enclosed figures, it should be understood that the base member 140 may be any suitable shape or size. For example, the base member 140 may be substantially: (1) semi-circular; (2) circular; (3) triangular; (4) rectangular; or any other suitable shape.

Vertical Support

As may be understood from FIGS. 1A, 1D, 1F, 2, 3, 7A, and 7B, in various embodiments of the invention, the utility stand's vertical support 150 is adapted to be selectively extended or retracted to adjust the distance between the item support member 110 and the base member 140. For example, as may be understood from FIGS. 1A, 1D, and 1F, in certain embodiments, the vertical support 150 comprises a lower vertical support 130, and an upper vertical support 120 that is in telescoping relationship with the lower vertical support 130. In particular embodiments, the lower vertical support 130 has a substantially square-shaped cross section and defines an elongate interior passage that also has a substantially square cross section.

In various embodiments, the upper vertical support 120 has a substantially square-shaped cross section that is about the same size and shape as the cross section of the lower vertical support's elongate interior passage. This allows the upper vertical support 120 to selectively slide in substantially vertical relation to the lower vertical support 130 when the utility stand 100 is in an upright position. In various embodiments, the vertical support 150 includes a locking mechanism for locking the upper vertical support 120 into a substantially fixed vertical relationship to the lower vertical support 130. This locking mechanism may, for example, comprise a spring-loaded button 125 (see FIG. 1D) that is disposed adjacent a lower portion of the upper vertical support 120 and that is positioned to laterally align, and spring into mating relationship with any one of a plurality of holes 135 (see FIG. 1F) in the lower vertical support 130. In various embodiments, each of the plurality of holes 135 is spaced a different distance from the utility stand's base portion 140, which allows the upper vertical support 120 to be selectively locked in place in any of a plurality of different vertical positions as defined in relation to the lower vertical support 130. As will be understood by one skilled in the relevant field in light of this disclosure, any other suitable locking mechanism may be used to maintain the upper vertical support 120 in substantially fixed relation to the lower vertical support 130.

As may be understood from FIGS. 1D, 1F, and 2, in various embodiments, the upper vertical support 120 comprises a first elongate portion 121, and a second elongate portion 122 that is substantially co-planar with the first elongate portion 121. In various embodiments of the invention, the first elongate portion 121 and second elongate portion 122 form an angle of between 2 and 10 degrees, and preferably about 5 degrees.

Similarly, as may be understood from FIGS. 1D, 1F, and 2, in various embodiments, the lower vertical support 130 comprises a first elongate portion 131, and a second elongate portion 132 that is substantially co-planar with the first elongate portion 131. In various embodiments of the invention, the first elongate portion 131 and second elongate portion 132 form an angle of between 2 and 10 degrees, and preferably about 5 degrees.

Hinges

In various embodiments of the invention, the item support member 110 is attached adjacent an upper portion of the vertical support 150 (e.g., adjacent an upper portion of the upper vertical support 120) via an upper hinge 116 (or other suitable connector) that is adapted to allow the item support member 110 to be rotated between: (1) a first orientation (see FIG. 2), in which the item support member 110 is in a substantially horizontal orientation when the utility stand 100 is in an upright position; and (2) a second orientation (see FIG. 3), in which the item support member 110 is in a substantially vertical orientation when the utility stand 100 is in an upright position. In various embodiments, the upper hinge is adapted to connected to the vertical support 150 via an upper support pin 118, and is adapted to rotate about the upper support pin 118 between the first and second positions as shown in FIG. 2. In particular embodiments of the invention, the item support member 110 is adapted to rotate about 90 and/or 270 degrees between the first and second positions. Also, in various embodiments, the item support member 110 is disposed adjacent a front portion of the vertical support 150 when the item support member 110 is in the first position, and is disposed adjacent a rear portion of the vertical support 150 when the item support member 110 is in the second position.

In various embodiments of the invention, the base member 140 is attached adjacent a lower portion of the vertical support 150 (e.g., adjacent a lower portion of the lower vertical support 130) via a lower hinge 146 (or other suitable connector) that is adapted to allow the base member 140 to be rotated between: (1) a first orientation (see FIG. 2), in which the base member 140 is in a substantially horizontal orientation when the utility stand 100 is in an upright position; and (2) a second orientation (see FIG. 3), in which the base member 140 is in a substantially vertical orientation when the utility stand 100 is in an upright position. In various embodiments, the lower hinge 146 is adapted to connected to the vertical support 150 via a lower support pin 148, and is adapted to rotate about the lower support pin 148 between the first and second positions as shown in FIG. 2. In particular embodiments of the invention, the base member 140 is adapted to rotate about 90 and/or 270 degrees between the first and second positions.

Also, in various embodiments, the item base member 140 is disposed adjacent a front portion of the vertical support 150 when the base member 140 is in the first position, and is also disposed adjacent a front portion of the vertical support 150 when the item support member 110 is in the second position.

Exemplary Materials and Configurations

It should be understood that utility stands according to various embodiments of the invention may be made of any suitable material, such as metal (e.g., steel or aluminum), plastic, fiberglass or other suitable material.

In various embodiments of the invention, the item support member 110, upper vertical support 120, lower vertical support 130 and base member 140 have a substantially square cross section. However, one or more of these components may have a differently shaped cross section (e.g., a substantially circular, triangular, or oval cross section).

Exemplary Dimensions

It should be understood that the various components of utility stands according to various embodiments of the invention may be in a wide variety of physical configurations. However, exemplary dimensions (as shown in the figures) of various components are included below. For example, in various embodiments:

-   Dimension A in FIG. 1B is between about 10″ and 12″, and is     preferably about 11″. -   Dimension B in FIG. 1B is between about 17″ and 19″, and is     preferably about 18″. -   Dimension C in FIG. 1A is between about 18″ and 22″, and is     preferably about 20″. -   Dimension D in FIG. 1C is between about 12″ and 14″, and is     preferably about 13″. -   Dimension E in FIG. 1D is between about 32″ and 36″, and is     preferably about 34″. -   Angle F in FIG. 1D is between about 1° and 10°, and is preferably     about 5°. -   Dimension G in FIG. 2 is between about 12″ and 16″, and is     preferably about 14.86″. -   Dimension H in FIG. 3 is between about 20″ and 24″, and is     preferably about 21.58″. -   Dimension I in FIG. 3 is between about 1″ and 4″, and is preferably     about 2.84″. -   Radius of curvature J in FIG. 5A is between about 3″ and 4″, and is     preferably about 3.5″. -   Radius of curvature K in FIG. 5B is between about 3″ and 4″, and is     preferably about 3.5″. -   Radius of curvature L in FIG. 8A is between about 3″ and 4″, and is     preferably about 3.5″. -   Radius of curvature M in FIG. 8B is between about 3″ and 4″, and is     preferably about 3.5″.

Additional, Optional Features of Various Embodiments of the Invention

In various embodiments, the utility stand may include one or more loop and/or hook members that are adapted to facilitate hanging the utility stand (e.g., when the utility stand is in a folded configuration). In addition, in various embodiments of the invention, the utility stand may be adapted so that no (or substantially no) tools are required to assemble the utility stand.

Conclusion

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 

1. A utility stand comprising: a substantially U-shaped item support member; a base member; a vertical support that extends between said base member and said item support member, wherein: said item support member is adapted to be rotated between: (A) a first position, in which said item support member is in a substantially horizontal orientation when said utility stand is in an upright position, and (B) a second position, in which said item support member is in a substantially vertical orientation when said utility stand is in an upright position, and said base member is adapted to be rotated between: (A) a first position, in which said base member is in a substantially horizontal orientation when said utility stand is in an upright position, and (B) a second position, in which said base member is in a substantially vertical orientation when said utility stand is in an upright position.
 2. The utility stand of claim 1, wherein: said item support member is disposed adjacent a front portion of said vertical support when said item support member is in said first position; said item support member is disposed adjacent a rear portion of said vertical support when said item support member is in said second position; said base member is disposed adjacent a front portion of said vertical support when said base member is in said first position; and said base member is disposed adjacent a front portion of said vertical support when said base member is in said second position.
 3. The utility stand of claim 2, wherein said vertical support comprises a plurality of vertical support members that are in telescoping relation to one another.
 4. The utility stand of claim 1, wherein said item support member is attached adjacent an upper portion of the vertical support via an upper hinge that is adapted to allow said item support member to be rotated between said first and second positions of said item support member.
 5. The utility stand of claim 1, wherein said item support member is adapted to rotate about 90 degrees between said first and second positions of said item support member.
 6. The utility stand of claim 1, wherein said item support member is adapted to rotate about 270 degrees between said first and second positions.
 7. The utility stand of claim 1, wherein: said vertical support comprises a first elongate portion and a second elongate portion that is substantially co-planar with said first elongate portion; and said first elongate portion and said second elongate portion form an angle of between about 2 and about 10 degrees.
 8. The utility stand of claim 1, wherein: said vertical support comprises a first elongate portion and a second elongate portion that is substantially co-planar with said first elongate portion; and said first elongate portion and said second elongate portion form an angle of about 5 degrees.
 9. The utility stand of claim 1, further comprising at least one fastening mechanism that is disposed adjacent said item support and adapted for attaching a bag adjacent said item support member.
 10. The utility stand of claim 1, wherein said utility stand comprises a plurality of fastening mechanisms that are adapted for attaching a bag adjacent said item support member.
 11. The utility stand of claim 1, further comprising at least one fastening mechanism that is disposed adjacent said item support and adapted for maintaining a bag in an open position adjacent said item support member.
 12. The utility stand of claim 1, wherein said utility stand comprises a plurality of fastening mechanisms that are adapted for maintaining a bag in an open position adjacent said item support member.
 13. The utility stand of claim 12, wherein said plurality of fastening mechanisms form a U-Shaped pattern that corresponds to the shape of at least a portion of said item support member.
 14. The utility stand of claim 12, wherein each of said fastening mechanisms is a support rivet that is adapted to puncture a portion of said bag and to thereafter extend through said bag.
 15. The utility stand of claim 14, wherein said bag is a yard bag.
 16. The utility stand of claim 1, wherein said utility stand is adapted fold from: (A) a first orientation in which said utility stand is non-planar and configured for hangingly supporting bags from said item support, to (B) a second orientation in which the utility stand is in a substantially planar form.
 17. A utility stand comprising: an item support member that is adapted for maintaining a bag in an open configuration; a base member; a vertical support that extends between said base member and said item support member, wherein: said item support member is adapted to be rotated between: (A) a first position, in which said item support member is in a substantially horizontal orientation when said utility stand is in an upright position, and (B) a second position, in which said item support member is in a substantially vertical orientation when said utility stand is in an upright position.
 18. The utility stand of claim 17, wherein: said base member is adapted to be rotated between: (A) a first position, in which said base member is in a substantially horizontal orientation when said utility stand is in an upright position, and (B) a second position, in which said base member is in a substantially vertical orientation when said utility stand is in an upright position.
 19. The utility stand of claim 17, wherein: said item support member is disposed adjacent a front portion of said vertical support when said item support member is in said first position; said item support member is disposed adjacent a rear portion of said vertical support when said item support member is in said second position; said base member is disposed adjacent a front portion of said vertical support when said base member is in said first position; and said base member is disposed adjacent a front portion of said vertical support when said base member is in said second position.
 20. The utility stand of claim 17, wherein said item support member is adapted for supporting the weight of an upper portion of said bag while maintaining said bag in said open configuration.
 21. The utility stand of claim 17, wherein said item support member is adapted for maintaining said bad in said open configuration by engaging and supporting at least two portions of said bag that are adjacent an open portion of said bag. 